Annually vs. Annual: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 11, 2023
"Annually" is an adverb meaning each year, while "Annual" is an adjective describing something that occurs once a year.
Key Differences
"Annually" and "Annual" both derive from the Latin word for year, "annus." However, their use in the English language differs grammatically. Annually is an adverb and typically describes the frequency with which an action occurs. For instance, when someone says they travel to Florida annually, they mean they make the trip once every year. On the other hand, Annual is an adjective and describes events, occurrences, or publications that happen once a year.
In terms of financial contexts, Annually often indicates the regularity of a payment or a rate. For example, interest might be compounded annually. Annual, however, would be used to characterize something related to a specific year, like the annual report, which offers insights into a company's performance over a single year.
From a botanical perspective, plants classified as Annual have a lifecycle that lasts only one year, from germination to producing seeds and then dying. In contrast, you might hear someone say they plant their garden Annually, emphasizing the action they take every year.
Publications and events also use the term Annual to convey their yearly recurrence. An annual fair would be an event that's celebrated once every year. Conversely, if a magazine or journal is published Annually, it means it's released once every year
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
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Meaning
Describes the frequency of an action or event occurring.
Describes something that takes place or is valid for a year.
Example
We vacation in Hawaii annually.
We attend the annual conference.
Usage in Finance
Payments are made annually.
The annual budget is $50,000.
Botanical Use
They seed their lawn annually.
Sunflowers are annual plants.
Annually and Annual Definitions
Annually
Each year.
She visits her grandparents annually.
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Annual
Completed over the course of a year.
The company's annual output has increased.
Annually
Once every year.
They renew their membership annually.
Annual
Relating to a period of one year.
The annual sales meeting is in December.
Annually
With a frequency of once a year.
The company holds a retreat annually.
Annual
Occurring once every year.
The annual fair attracts thousands.
Annually
Recurring, done, or performed every year; yearly
An annual medical examination.
Annual
Valid or lasting for a year.
My annual subscription is about to expire.
Annually
Of, relating to, or determined by a year
An annual income.
Annual
Characteristic of or consistent with a full year.
The plant's annual growth is remarkable.
Annually
(Botany) Living or growing for only one year or season.
Annual
Recurring, done, or performed every year; yearly
An annual medical examination.
Annually
A periodical published yearly; a yearbook.
Annual
Of, relating to, or determined by a year
An annual income.
Annually
(Botany) A plant that completes its entire life cycle in a single growing season.
Annual
(Botany) Living or growing for only one year or season.
Annually
Once every year without fail, yearly
The Sunshine Festival is held annually, at the end of May.
Annual
A periodical published yearly; a yearbook.
Annually
Yearly; year by year.
Annual
(Botany) A plant that completes its entire life cycle in a single growing season.
Annually
Without missing a year;
They travel to China annually
Annual
Happening once every year.
An annual general meeting;
An annual publication
Annually
By the year; every year (usually with reference to a sum of money paid or received);
He earned $100,000 per annum
We issue six volumes per annum
Annual
Of, for, or relating to a whole year, often as a recurring cycle; determined or reckoned by the year; accumulating in the course of a year; performed, executed, or completed over the course of a year. See also circannual.
An annual salary;
Average annual profits;
The annual course of the sun
Annually
At yearly intervals.
Taxes are filed annually.
Annual
Having a life cycle that is completed in only one growing season; e.g. beans, corn, marigold. See Annual plant in Wikipedia. Compare biennial, perennial.
Annually
As a yearly practice.
He donates to charity annually.
Annual
(entomology) Living or lasting just one season or year, as certain insects or insect colonies.
Annual
An annual publication; a book, periodical, journal, report, comic book, yearbook, etc., which is published serially once a year, which may or may not be in addition to regular weekly or monthly publication.
I read the magazine, but I usually don't purchase the annuals.
Annual
(botany) An annual plant; a plant with a life span of just one growing season; a plant which naturally germinates, flowers and dies in one year. Compare biennial, perennial.
I can't wait to plant my annuals in the spring.
Annual
A medical checkup taking place once a year.
Annual
(theater) A pantomime taking place once a year.
Annual
Of or pertaining to a year; returning every year; coming or happening once in the year; yearly.
The annual overflowing of the river [Nile].
Annual
Performed or accomplished in a year; reckoned by the year; as, the annual motion of the earth.
A thousand pound a year, annual support.
Annual
Lasting or continuing only one year or one growing season; requiring to be renewed every year; as, an annual plant; annual tickets.
Annual
A thing happening or returning yearly; esp. a literary work published once a year.
Annual
Anything, especially a plant, that lasts but one year or season; an annual plant.
Oaths . . . in some sense almost annuals; . . . and I myself can remember about forty different sets.
Annual
A Mass for a deceased person or for some special object, said daily for a year or on the anniversary day.
Annual
A plant that completes its entire life cycle within the space of a year
Annual
A reference book that is published regularly once every year
Annual
Occurring or payable every year;
An annual trip to Paris
Yearly medical examinations
Annual (or yearly) income
Annual
Completing its life cycle within a year;
A border of annual flowering plants
The common buttercup is a popular perennial plant
FAQs
What does "Annual" describe?
"Annual" is an adjective describing something that occurs or is valid for one year.
What's an example of an "annual event"?
A birthday party celebrated once a year is an "annual event."
Can "Annually" refer to things besides time?
Typically, "Annually" relates to the frequency of an occurrence within a year's time.
Can "Annually" describe an event?
Yes, if indicating the frequency of the event's occurrence, e.g., "The event takes place annually."
How often does something "annual" occur?
It occurs once every year.
Is "Annually" an adjective or adverb?
"Annually" is an adverb.
Is an "annual plant" a plant that grows every year?
No, an "annual plant" completes its lifecycle in one year.
How do I use "Annually" in a sentence?
Example: "They conduct a survey annually."
If I pay a fee annually, how often am I paying?
You're paying once every year.
Can "Annual" be used to describe a contract?
Yes, if the contract is valid for one year, it's an "annual contract."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
